Trans Nzoia County has received medical equipment worth Sh30 million, a donation from a United States-based organisation, Unlimited Gospel Ministries International.
While receiving the donation at Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kitale, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya welcomed the donation, saying it will significantly help improve healthcare services across the county.
Hailing the partnership between the government and the church, Natembeya termed the donation a landmark move, saying it will further help enhance the strides the county has made in equipping health facilities in the region.
“Unlimited Gospel Ministries has just proved to be our true friend by fulfilling a promise which they made the last time they visited. This donation will not only help equip our facilities, but it will go a long way to help our people access quality and dignified medical care,” he said.
Explaining that since 2022 the county has built several health facilities, including Tom Mboya Mother and Child Hospital, Kwanza Sub County Hospital, and Matunda and Kachibora hospitals, which are lacking prerequisite equipment, Natembeya said meaningful partnerships will help ensure the institutions are fully equipped and hence help realise the objective of taking quality healthcare to the doorstep of every homestead.
Governor Natembeya revealed plans are in the pipeline to ensure Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital is expanded in an effort to ensure quality and timely services owing to the increasing demand.
Meanwhile, he challenged the national government to intervene and ensure that the Social Health Authority (SHA) hastens disbursement of funds to hospitals, explaining that the delays being experienced are almost paralysing activities.
He explained that if the problem is not urgently addressed, hospitals will not have any other option other than to ask patients to pay cash before services are rendered.
Saying that hospitals are owed millions and continue to face shortages of nurses, doctors and clinical officers due to limited resources for recruitment, Natembeya said any delays for services rendered serve to worsen the situation.
Finance and Economic Planning County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Dr. Pepela Wanjala and health counterpart Lorot Kerior welcomed the collaboration between the county and the faith-based organisation, urging other partners to extend similar support.
Kerrior hailed the Governor for putting more efforts into strengthening equipment programmes in an effort to ensure achievement of top-tier healthcare aligned with the universal health coverage agenda.
The equipment donated comprised bariatric, paediatric, Intensive Care Unit and birthing beds, as well as wheelchairs.
The event was attended by, among others, County Secretary Truphosa Amere and Chief Officers Dr. Judith Simiyu (Health) and Omar Ndiema (Trade and Industrialisation).
By Isaiah Nayika
